When I began my genealogy research a few years ago I could not have foreseen that it would lead to contacts in California on both my mother's and my father's sides of my family.

My flight started from Glasgow Airport, which meant crossing Scotland to the area where I was born and brought up, back to my Cunningham roots. On my way to the airport I called in at Caprington Castle. Caprington has been in the Cunningham family since 1425 though much of the present castle dates from the 18th century.

I was greeted by the Laird himself, Captain Robert Cunningham.

I had come to see his son William about some clan business. Here William exhibits an ancient horn, believed to have belonged to Coylus, a seventh century leader.

I visited nearby Kerelaw Castle, a Cunningham stronghold from the twelfth century. The castle was burnt by the Montgomeries in 1488.

Kerelaw Castle was rebuilt after 1488 when the section with the gothic windows was added, but it was abandoned towards the end of the 18th century.

After an overnight stay at Glasgow Airport, I flew British Airways via London and on to Los Angeles, from where I caught a commuter flight to Santa Barbara.

I stayed four nights in Goleta CA as a guest of my Canadian born second cousin Diane. Her brother Gord whom I had met in Victoria six weeks earlier flew down from Vancouver to join us. Diane and Gord are related to me through our Irish great grandparents, but our Irish grandfathers who were brothers both took Scottish brides, so Diane and Gord also have Scottish roots.
More to follow shortly.